So after months of speculation, and many suggestions, the slogan for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest has finally been revealed. The EBU, through an official statement, and the Israeli broadcaster KAN, on Twitter, have revealed that the slogan for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is going to be “Dare to Dream”.

Executive producer of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, had this to say on the slogan: “Being on that stage, daring to dream you can win the Eurovision Song Contest, be brave enough, be confident enough, standing there performing for a world audience is something that is worth the dream. This is what Netta did last year, when she performed in Lisbon. She went on that stage with a dream — a dream to bring the Eurovision Song Contest back to Israel. And she succeeded. And next year in May, in Tel Aviv, we will all meet to celebrate the good values of the Eurovision Song Contest and we will do it here, with the help of broadcaster KAN and the Israel team.”

The official slogan has been a staple of Eurovision since it was brought in in 2002 and has had a variety of different themes. This year it seems they have gone for a more vague, inspiring theme, which may be inspired by Netta’s dream to win Eurovision with something different.

What do #YOU think? Do you like the slogan? How does it compare to previous slogans we have had? Let us know by commenting below or contacting us on our forum or social media!

Once thing that can be said about the Israeli hosting of Eurovision 2019 so far is that the host broadcaster, KAN, is keeping an open mind. Not only has the bid process for the city been hotly contest, the plan for the staging has been sent out as an open tender. And the postcards that accompany every entry of the Eurovision broadcast have also gone out for tender!

The specification for the postcards for Tel Aviv 2019 are that the short clips of 40 seconds long must be of an ‘international quality’, with the successful production company also conducting the proper research, sourcing locations in Israel to film, and also providing any necessary scenery, costumes, make-up and decoration. The budget is currently set at 3.2m Israeli shekels (~€770,000 at the time of writing).

The chosen company will then produce two pilot videos for the approval of KAN and the EBU, with filming set to take place between January and March. Due to how early this is in the national selection scene, it remains ambiguous as to whether artists will be involved in the postcards. The last contest not to feature the artists in the postcards was Azerbaijan’s hosting in 2012.

One other interesting piece from the tender is the allowance for up to 46 countries in the filming process – does this suggest that there may be more twists and turns with the participant list in the coming weeks?

The Israeli website IsraelHayom released information about KAN and the EBU’s intentions for the 2019 Eurovision stage last week, stating that both parties are looking for an iconic design that has an Israeli identity and is considered unique, iconic and groundbreaking for the contest. The tender also calls for the Israeli stage to be better than that of its Lisbon predecessor. The broadcaster was not shy in revealing their criticism of the Lisbon stage, stating that the contest will not be remembered for the better. Their reasoning was grounded in the lack of beauty and LED screens, and the broadcaster’s low budget.

To prevent a similar mistake, KAN has invited very specific and well respected stage designers, both Israeli and foreign alike, to submit their designs. In the event that two bids are equal in level and design, the broadcaster will likely pick a design from an Israeli designer. The tender does state that if the better design comes from a foreign designer, “patriotism will move aside for a moment.”

While the specific details of the tender are sealed and sent out privately to each invitee, they are expected to adhere closely to the general expectations of KAN. Along with the inclusion of modern elements like LED screens, the design must be versatile in nature and “look different in each song.” KAN has also requested that the design include a greenroom design for Pavillion 1, confirming that the greenroom area will not be hosted inside the production space for the show itself.

The greenroom requirements are in line with prior contests, 26 sections for each delegation in the final show with 10 seats each and should correspond closely to the design of the stage itself. The greenroom should also utilize space in an efficient and responsible manner. However, in order to boost audience participation in the contest itself, the greenroom design must be able to accommodate 2,000 spectators, meaning that the greenroom will not exist in complete isolation.

Additional requirements are:

The stage should allow for a 200 degree minimum view

Be accessible and easily traversed by camera and stage crew members

Allow for proper lighting and LED screen instillations

Have a hidden area for five back-up vocalists either in front of the stage or to the right or left of the stage

Have ample space for a Parade of Nations to occur from opposite ends of the stage (as in Kyiv and Lisbon)

Be adaptable to security requirements of the hall

The process for the submissions will be open through October, with the winning concept being decided by KAN and the EBU in November. A detailed plan and announcement of the stage design can be expected any time between December and February, with official construction to take place in mid-March and April.

What do #YOU hope for from the 2019 staging? Share your wishes and desires below or join the discussion on social media and our forum!

EBU has just announced that Eurovision Song Contest 2019 will be held in the beach city of Tel Aviv. This concludes a 4 month battle between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It was also announced that the semi-finals will be held on the 14th May & 16th May while the final will be held on Saturday 18th May. The event will take place at The Expo Tel Aviv ( Previously known as the International Convention Center)

Are you visiting Tel Aviv? More information can be given on this short video below.

An initiative posted this evening by the British newspaper The Guardian has seen dozens of Eurovision alumni join forces with respected artists and performers from Europe and beyond in supporting a boycott of Israel’s hosting.

The letter, published online and gaining traction with websites such as Yahoo, sees over a hundred signatories from various artistic backgrounds calling for broadcasters and artists to boycott the Israeli hosting of Eurovision 2019, in support of the plight of Palestinian artists.

The letter, which can be read in full HERE, features signatures from Eurovision and national final alumni, such as Kaija Kärkinen (Finland 1991), Kyösti Laihi (Finland 1988), Daði Freyr (Iceland national finalist, 2017), Mike Murphy (former Ireland commentator) and Charlie McGettigan (Ireland 1994 and Eurovision winner).

The statement comes on the day that the EBU confirmed that talks are still ongoing with Israel with regards to the choice of host city, with both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv still in the running.

What do #YOU think of this news? Are these artists right to support a boycott or should Israel be allowed to continue their hosting? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!

]]>Israel: Host city to be announced today?http://escunited.com/israel-host-city-to-be-announced-today/
Thu, 06 Sep 2018 06:12:30 +0000http://escunited.com/?p=34563

The Jerusalem Post have reported that the host city announcement for Eurovision 2019 may come today, Thursday 6th September, with there supposedly being a two-horse-race between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for the contest.

While the EBU has not publically confirmed what day they would reveal the destination for the contest, it has been widely reported that an announcement of some sort would come this week, with Eilat ruled out of the race for not having a viable venue.

The article in the Israeli press also suggests that interior minister Arya Deri would “regretfully tolerate next year’s contest holding activity on Shabbat”. However, Deri stopped short of relenting to the EBU requirements of allowing any and all participants and visitors to Israel, regardless of political beliefs.

“The State of Israel – our doors are open, there are tons of people who come and go,” Deri told the Israeli news agency Ynet. “But regardless… if there are security reasons, or people who come to incite against the State of Israel or do things that will damage us – I will act like the most enlightened countries in the world [and not allow them in]. Have you ever tried to enter the United States? If there’s a problem, they’ll send you right back on a plane.”

Dates have not yet been officially confirmed for Eurovision 2019, but we should also get this information in the coming days.

What do #YOU think? Should Jerusalem or Tel Aviv be chosen to host? Share your thoughts with us below or join the discussion on our forum!

]]>Israeli Government And KAN come to an agreement to cover Hosting Costhttp://escunited.com/israeli-government-and-kan-allegedly-come-to-an-agreement-to-cover-hosting-cost/
Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:57:08 +0000http://escunited.com/?p=34519UPDATE (6:16 PM CET): KAN has now officially confirmed that it will pay the 12 Million Euro guarantee. It is believed that they will take a loan to pay for Guarantee and that the Finance Minister will cover the cost should Israel lose the right to host the contest. Please read below for additional information

The Israeli Haaretz reported that Benjamin Netenyahu has threatened to shutdown the Israeli national broadcaster KAN, should they fail to pay the 12 million Euro Guarantee. This payment is needed to ensure that Israel can host the contest in 2019.

Previously, Gil Omer, chairman of the board of the broadcasting corporation, contacted the Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and threatened to forfeit the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 hosting rights in Israel to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The newspaper Haaretz is now reporting that the crisis surrounding Israel’s hosting of Eurovision 2019 has been resolved as both parties have come to an agreement.

KAN is expected to take a loan of $13.5-million and meet the financial liabilities set by the EBU. The Finance Ministry will commit to cover the loan amount if the competition is ultimately not held in Israel due to circumstances outside of the broadcaster’s control such as war or boycotts.

The broadcaster is denying such agreement is in place when asked by Haaretz for an official statement so this is not an official announcement.

The original deadline to transfer the funds was set for August 1st, the EBU granted an extension giving a new August 14 deadline which has now passed. We are awaiting an official announcement from the broadcaster or the EBU in the near future so stay tuned for that.

The Israeli Haaretz reported that Benjamin Netenyahu has threatened to shutdown the Israeli national broadcaster KAN, should they fail to pay the 12 million Euro Guarantee. This payment is needed to ensure that Israel can host the contest in 2019.

Senior officials at the Ministry of Finance have stated that the Israeli Prime Minister will pass a law shutting down the broadcaster should KAN fail to pay the deposit required by the EBU.

Previously, Gil Omer, chairman of the board of the broadcasting corporation, contacted the Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and threatened to forfeit the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 hosting rights in Israel to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Netta won Eurovision in 2018 giving Israel first dibs at hosting the contest.

The original deadline to transfer the funds was set for August 1st, the EBU granted an extension giving a new August 12 deadline which we are promptly approaching. The office of the Prime Minister responded to the comment, advising that additional funding should not be given to the broadcaster by the government and that it is up to KAN to come up with the Guarantee.

The broadcaster advised that they would have to lay off 200 employees as well as make additional cuts to other programs and upcoming productions to come up with the money. The Israeli Finance Minister believes that KAN has proper funding to come up with the Guarantee which is in clear conflict with the broadcaster’s statement.

If KAN fails to come up with the deposit and government refuses to provide additional funding, the broadcaster will either have to give up its hosting rights or the EBU may take it away from Israel.

According to Haaretz, KAN is not willing to take out a loan to pay for the guarantee. The media outlet states that in the event of a war in the region or another event, the broadcaster would be heavily in debt and susceptible to political interference.

It is believed a bill to to shut down of the broadcaster is unlikely to pass. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously tried to interfere in KANs operations, seeking control over certain aspects of the brodcast, including the News aspect. The Attorney General ruled against the Prime Minister’s efforts to close down the broadcaster before it even began broadcasting.

Should a bill to shut down the broadcaster be introduced, it is believed that the bill would only a have small chance of passing. The Attorney General has previously ruled against the Israeli Prime Minister during his previous attempts to restrict the way in which the national broadcaster operates, as well as close it down before it began broadcasting. But it does show the government’s effort to put pressure on the broadcaster to resolve the issue on their own. This battle between these two entities has been going on before Eurovision was even in the picture, but it definitely escalated further and things look more and more dire by the hour.

Israel has one day left to pay the Guarantee. Stay tuned for further updates on the developing story.

]]>EBU responds to Israel’s hosting issueshttp://escunited.com/ebu-responds-to-israels-hosting-conflict/
http://escunited.com/ebu-responds-to-israels-hosting-conflict/#commentsMon, 13 Aug 2018 19:00:46 +0000http://escunited.com/?p=34495As we previously reported, the Israeli broadcaster has been struggling to come up with the 12 Million Euros security deposit to guarantee hosting responsibilities for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

Gil Omer, chairman of the board of the broadcasting corporation, contacted the Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and threatened to give up the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Israel to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). You can read the full article HERE

The Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon released the following statement earlier today:

“They are able to put up the guarantee in a minute. If they don’t transfer the guarantee, they will be making a serious mistake. The corporation is a public entity, it gets money from the public and it needs to work according to rules.

Holding the Eurovision [in Israel] depends only on the broadcaster. There is no one standing in its way.”

Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon

The head of KAN, the Israeli broadcaster, previously stated that they will not be able to come up with the funds for the security deposit, unless major layoffs or significant cuts to current projects will be made.

The fansite esctoday reached out to the EBU requesting clarification and the following statement was made:

“The EBU is working closely with KAN ahead of tomorrow’s deadline, on advancing arrangements for next year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Israel. Every year financial guarantees must be made to the EBU before plans are put in place and the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest is announced. If a situation ever arose in which a broadcaster could not fulfil their requirements there are always contingency plans in place, as is normal when planning such a large event with many international stakeholders.”

This statement confirms that the payment is still outstanding. Should Israel forfeit or lose the right to host the contest, the EBU will evaluate the situation and choose another host country based on contingency plans that are in place. Cyprus, who finished in 2nd place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018, would not be given the host rights by default.

Stay tuned for news as we should have more updates on the current situation within the next 24 hours.

]]>http://escunited.com/ebu-responds-to-israels-hosting-conflict/feed/2Israeli government against additional funding for Eurovision, Hosting could be relinquishedhttp://escunited.com/israeli-government-against-additional-funding-for-eurovision/
http://escunited.com/israeli-government-against-additional-funding-for-eurovision/#commentsSun, 12 Aug 2018 18:58:56 +0000http://escunited.com/?p=34486As we previously reported, the Israeli broadcaster has been struggling to come up with the 12 Million Euros security deposit to guarantee hosting responsibilities for the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.

Gil Omer, chairman of the board of the broadcasting corporation, contacted the Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and threatened to give up the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Israel to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

Israel won the contest this year in Lisbon, when Netta convinced Europe with her song “Toy”. Winning the contest means first dibs at hosting the contest the following year, however all broadcasters need to comply with the requirements which has been a bit off an uphill battle for KAN.

Omer wrote to Mr Netanyahu:

“In two days’ time, the Israel Broadcasting Corporation will be required to provide a guarantee of 12 million Euros to ensure the existence of the Eurovision 2019 competition in Israel, a point of no return, after which if the guarantee is not provided by the European Broadcasting Union, it will not be possible to change the situation and Eurovision 2019 cannot exist in Israel,”

He continues: “For the past two weeks I have been making great efforts to inform the decision makers of the obstacles we face in order to make every effort to resolve them. In various letters I sent during this period, I noted that we see great importance in the competition in Israel, Both in terms of image and economic perspective.

“Unfortunately, our repeated requests for intensive work to solve the major problems that stand in the way of competition in Israel have not been answered,”

The original deadline to transfer the funds was August 1st, the EBU granted an extension with a new August 12th deadline which we are promptly approaching.

The office of the Prime Minister responded to the comment, advising that additional funding should not be given to the broadcaster by the government.

“The prime minister and the finance minister decided that a body that is budgeted at a huge sum of 750 million shekels at the expense of the public, can find the budget source for the Eurovision Song Contest,”

That’s according to sources close to the Prime Minister.

If KAN fails to come up with the deposit and government refuses to provide additional funding, the broadcaster will either have to give up its hosting rights or the EBU may take it away from Israel.

At this point it is unclear what country would take over hosting duties should Israel lose its right to host Eurovision. We should have more information available within the next 48 hours so stay tuned for that.